The Inns of Banff
Banff
A Legacy on the Avenue
The Gateway to the Rockies
The Inns of Banff was more than just a hotel; it was a sprawling complex that signaled your arrival into the heart of the mountains. Its architecture was a product of a different era, designed to maximize the footprint of its hillside location. With its long hallways and tiered exterior, it offered a sense of scale that few other downtown properties could match, providing a home base for large tour groups and independent explorers alike.
Strategically located away from the high-traffic "downtown" core, the Inns offered a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. It sat at the junction where the town meets the wilderness, often serving as the first place visitors would spot elk grazing on the front lawn. It was a property that didn't just overlook the scenery; it felt like a grand stand built specifically to watch the light change over the Rundle Range.
Decades of Hospitality
The History of the Inns
Originally constructed in the 1970s, the Inns of Banff grew alongside the town’s reputation as a world-class destination. It was part of the Banff Lodging Co. family, becoming a staple for travelers who wanted a full-service resort experience without the premium price tag of central Banff Avenue. Over the decades, it underwent several renovations to keep pace with modern tastes, yet it always retained a rugged, authentic charm.
The hotel’s closure in the early 2020s marked the end of an era for Banff’s mid-century hospitality. The decision to retire the original structure was driven by a desire to modernize the town’s lodging options and improve environmental sustainability. While the physical building has been replaced, its legacy lives on through the thousands of family vacation photos taken from its famous wooden balconies.
Rooms with a View
The Room Options
Accommodation at the Inns was diverse, catering to everyone from solo backpackers to large families. The property was unique for offering "condo-style" units and multi-bedroom suites long before they became a standard industry trend. Many of these rooms featured split-level designs, providing a sense of space that made long-term stays comfortable for those spending a week at the "Big 3" ski resorts; Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise.
Inside, the rooms were finished with classic mountain materials—oak furniture, plaid accents, and stone textures. While the decor evolved over the years, the primary draw remained the outdoor space. Almost every room featured a balcony or patio, emphasizing the hotel's philosophy that the real star of the show was the landscape just outside the glass.
Resort Living
Facilities and Relaxation
The crown jewel of the Inns’ facilities was undoubtedly its massive rooftop hot tub. It was widely considered one of the best après-ski spots in town, allowing guests to soak while looking directly at the peaks they had just spent the day skiing. In addition to the outdoor pool, the hotel featured a large indoor pool and sauna complex, providing a year-round tropical escape from the sub-zero mountain temperatures.
For the active traveler, the Inns provided essential mountain infrastructure, including a dedicated ski tuning room and rental shop right on the premises. This "one-stop-shop" approach made it a favorite for winter sports enthusiasts. The lobby, with its central fireplace and bustling activity, served as the town’s northern social hub, where hikers and skiers swapped trail reports over local maps.
Classic Banff Flavours
Dining Options
Dining at the Inns was headlined by Wildfire Grill, a restaurant known for its hearty Canadian fare and expansive windows. It was a place where "steak and potatoes" met the mountains, serving up Alberta beef to hungry adventurers. The restaurant’s elevated position meant that breakfast came with a side of sunrise over the peaks—a ritual that many guests returned for year after year.
In its later years, the property also hosted Miki Japanese Restaurant, a local favorite that offered authentic sushi and tempura. The juxtaposition of traditional Japanese cuisine with a rustic Canadian mountain setting was a testament to Banff’s international appeal. Whether you wanted a quick pub-style meal or a refined sit-down dinner, the Inns provided a culinary variety that mirrored the diversity of its guests.
Three Interesting Points
The "Big" Rooftop
The Inns of Banff boasted one of the largest outdoor hot tubs in the entire National Park, capable of holding over 20 people at once while offering 360-degree mountain views.
Tiered Design
The building was famous for its "stepped" architectural profile, which ensured that even rooms in the back of the complex could catch a glimpse of the surrounding summits.
A Movie Backdrop
Due to its classic 70s mountain aesthetic and massive scale, the Inns was frequently used as a base for film crews and appeared as a backdrop in several regional tourism films and commercials over the years.